Method and system for providing ambiance settings in a bathing system

ABSTRACT

A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component. The first operational setting and the second operational setting are pre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation under 35 USC § 120 ofco-pending patent application Ser. No. 15/227,404 filed on Aug. 3, 2016,which itself was a continuation under 35 USC § 120 of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/106,554 filed on Dec. 13, 2013, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,442,639 on Sep. 13, 2016 and which itself was acontinuation under 35 USC § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/910,615 filed Oct. 22, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,644,960on Feb. 4, 2014. The contents of the aforementioned documents areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of control systemsfor bathing unit systems, and more specifically, to a control system anduser control interface suitable for facilitating the selection andprogramming of ambiance settings for the bathing unit system.

BACKGROUND

Bathing units, such as spas, typically include various bathing unitcomponents that are used in operating the bathing unit system. Thebathing unit components generally include pumps that circulate waterthrough a piping system, pumps for activating water jets, at least oneheating module to heat the water, a filter system, an air blower, anozone generator, a lighting system, and a control system that activateand manage the various operational settings of the bathing unitcomponents. Other types of bathing units that have similar componentsinclude, for instance, whirlpools, hot tubs, bathtubs, therapeuticbaths, and swimming pools.

In addition to bathing unit components used for regulating the operationof the bathing unit system, additional components that provide addedentertainment are increasingly being included as part of bathing unitsystems. An example of such a feature includes lighting elements forproviding visual stimulation to users of the bathing unit system. Anexample of a lighting element using multicolor LEDs was described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,744,223 entitled “Multicolor lamp system” issued on Jun.1, 2004 to B. Laflamme et al. The contents of the above document areincorporated herein by reference. Other features include multimediaelements providing audio and/or video functionality. Examples of audiosystems for spas have been described in U.S. patent publication no.: US2002/0025050 A1, entitled “Spa Audio System Operable With A RemoteControl” filed on May 24, 2001 by S. S. Macey; in U.S. patentpublication no.: 2004/0047484 A1, entitled “Sound system, a speakerassembly, and a method for providing sound for a spa” filed on Sep. 5,2003 by W. J. Gardenier et al. and U.S. patent publication no.:2010/0070059 A1, entitled “Bathing unit control system providingmultimedia functionality, telephone functionality and/or data networkaccess functionality and bathing unit system including same” filed onNov. 16, 2009 by B. Laflamme et al. The contents of the above noteddocuments are incorporated herein by reference.

Most modern bathing unit systems include a user control interface thatis in communication with the bathing unit control system. A user of thebathing unit system is able to interact with the user control interfacein order to adjust and control the activation and settings of thevarious bathing unit components. It is known in the art to have a usercontrol interface that provides the user with a display screen andbuttons for allowing a user to control the functionality of the variousbathing unit components.

Traditionally, each operational parameter of a bathing unit isindependently set by a user in order to achieve a desired total effectin the bathing unit system. For example, if the user wishes to achieve arelaxed ambiance in the bathing unit, he/she may select low lighting,spa jets at a medium speed, calming music at a low volume and to havethe filtration system turned off. Each of the parameters is setindependently by the user who must choose an operational setting forthese parameters using the controls provided on a control interface.This can be a time-consuming and frustrating activity for the user.

As such, a deficiency with existing control systems and user controlinterfaces is that they do not provide suitable functionality forallowing the user of the bathing unit system to adjust and activate thedesired operational settings for the bathing unit components in arelatively quick and convenient manner. In most cases, when the bathingunit system is turned on, at least some of the bathing unit componentswill be activated in accordance with a “start-up” procedure. However, ifthe user then wants to change the operational settings of the bathingunit components, such as increase the heat, deactivate some of thepumps, adjust the jet pressure, etc. . . . each one of these adjustmentsneeds to be done independently. This results in both a time-consumingand inconvenient procedure for the user of the bathing unit system.

As such, there remain deficiencies in existing control systems and usercontrol interfaces. One deficiency with existing systems is that they donot provide a suitable interface for allowing a user to quickly andeasily view the operational settings for multiple different types ofbathing unit components at the same time, nor do they provide a userwith the ability to quickly and easily adjust the operational settingsthat have been stored in a memory unit of the bathing system.

Against the background described above, it is clear that there remains aneed in the industry to provide a control system and associated usercontrol interface that alleviates at least in part the problemsassociated with existing control systems and user control interfaces.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a broad aspect, the invention provides a method fordisplaying, via a user interface, a ambiance setting for a bathingsystem. The user interface is configured to display at least one displaypage on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the displayscreen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of theuser interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selectedambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed onthe display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting,displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for atleast one first type of bathing unit component and a second operationalsetting for at least one second type of bathing unit component. Thefirst operational setting and the second operational setting arepre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting.

In accordance with a broad aspect, the invention provides a device foruse in connection with a bathing system. The bathing system comprises afirst type of bathing unit component and a second type of bathing unitcomponent. The device comprises a display screen for displaying agraphical user interface and a processor in communication with thedisplay screen. The processor is programmed for displaying on thedisplay screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user ofthe user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of aselected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settingsdisplayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiancesetting, displaying on the display screen a first operational settingfor at least one first type of bathing unit component and a secondoperational setting for at least one second type of bathing unitcomponent. The first operational setting and the second operationalsetting are pre-programmed in association with the selected ambiancesetting.

In accordance with another broad aspect, the invention provides abathing system that comprises a first type of bathing unit component anda second type of bathing unit component, a bathing unit controller forissuing signals for controlling the first type of bathing unit componentand the second type of bathing unit component and a user controlinterface in communication with the bathing unit controller. The usercontrol interface is configured to present at least one display page ona display screen. The user control interface is operating for displayingon the display screen a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by auser and in response to a selected ambiance setting, displaying on thedisplay screen a first operational setting for at least one of the firsttype of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for atleast one of the second type of bathing unit component. The firstoperational setting and the second operational setting arepre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting.

In accordance with another broad aspect, the invention provides a methodfor configuring a graphical user interface for a bathing system thatcomprises a set of bathing unit components. The graphical user interfaceis configured to present sequentially a first display page and a seconddisplay page on a display screen. The method comprising causing thegraphical user interface to display on the first display page, aplurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user, receiving, at aprocessor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from theplurality of ambiance settings displayed on the first display page andin response to the selected ambiance setting, causing the graphical userinterface to display on the second display page, an operational settingfor at least one bathing unit component in the set of bathing unitcomponents, the operational setting being associated with the selectedambiance setting. Wherein a display setting of the second display pageis configured at least in part on a basis of the selected ambiancesetting.

In accordance with another broad aspect, the invention provides a devicefor use in connection with a bathing system. The bathing systemcomprises a set of bathing unit components. The device comprises adisplay screen for displaying sequentially a first display page and asecond display page and a processor in communication with the displayscreen. The processor being programmed for displaying on the firstdisplay page a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user ofthe device, receiving an indication of a selected ambiance setting fromthe plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the first display pageand in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on thesecond display page, an operational setting for at least one bathingunit component of the set of bathing unit components, the operationalsetting being associated with the selected ambiance setting, wherein adisplay setting of the second display page is configured at least inpart on a basis of the selected ambiance setting.

In accordance with another broad aspect, the invention provides abathing system, comprising a set of bathing unit components, a bathingunit controller for issuing signals for controlling the set of bathingunit components and a user control interface in communication with thebathing unit controller. The user control interface is configured topresent sequentially a first display page and a second display page. Theuser control interface is operating for displaying on the first displaypage, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user and inresponse to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the seconddisplay page, an operational setting for at least one bathing unitcomponent in the set of bathing unit components, the operational settingbeing associated with the selected ambiance setting. Wherein a displaysetting of the second display page is configured at least in part on abasis of the selected ambiance setting.

In accordance with another broad aspect, the invention provides agraphical user interface implemented on a computing device for recordingfunctional settings associated with a user-defined ambiance setting. Thegraphical user interface comprises on a display page, a first input areafor receiving from the user of the computing device a desiredoperational setting for a first bathing unit component type, on thedisplay page, a second input area for receiving from the user of thecomputing device a desired operational setting for a second bathing unitcomponent type and on the display page, a third input area for receivingfrom the user of the computing device an indication that the desiredoperational setting for the first bathing unit component type and thedesired operational setting for the second bathing unit component typeshould be recorded in association with the user-defined ambiancesetting.

In accordance with another broad aspect, the invention provides agraphical user interface implemented on a computing device fordisplaying to a user at least one operational setting for a bathing unitcomponent of a bathing system. The graphical user interface comprising afirst information area for identifying a ambiance setting stored in acomputer-readable medium, a second information area providing apictorial representation of the bathing unit component and a first inputarea for allowing the user of the computing device to enter a desiredadjustment to a pre-programmed operational setting for the bathing unitcomponent that is associated with the ambiance setting.

These and other aspects and features of the present invention will nowbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of thefollowing description of specific embodiments of the invention inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention isprovided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a bathing unit system equipped with abathing unit control system in accordance with a first non-limitingexample of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a physical representation of the user control interface ofFIG. 1 in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a bathing unit system equipped with abathing unit control system in accordance with a second non-limitingexample of implementation of the present invention:

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a bathing unit control system and aremote computing device in accordance with a non-limiting example of thepresent invention in communication with each other via a networkconnection;

FIG. 5 shows a physical representation of the user control interface ofFIG. 3 in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation ofthe present invention, with a non-limiting example of a display page ofa graphical user interface displayed thereon;

FIG. 6 shows the physical representation of the user control interfaceof FIG. 5 with an alternative non-limiting example of display page of agraphical user interface displayed thereon;

FIG. 7 shows the physical representation of the user control interfaceof FIG. 5 with an alternative non-limiting example of display page of agraphical user interface displayed thereon;

FIG. 8 shows the physical representation of the user control interfaceof FIG. 5 with an alternative non-limiting example of display page of agraphical user interface displayed thereon;

FIG. 9 shows the physical representation of the user control interfaceof FIG. 5 with an alternative non-limiting example of display page of agraphical user interface displayed thereon;

FIG. 10 shows the physical representation of the user control interfaceof FIG. 5 with an alternative non-limiting example of display page of agraphical user interface displayed thereon; and

FIG. 11 shows the physical representation of the user control interfaceof FIG. 5 with an alternative non-limiting example of display page of agraphical user interface displayed thereon.

In the drawings, the embodiments of the invention are illustrated by wayof examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description anddrawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid forunderstanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description below is directed to a specific implementation of theinvention in the context of a bathing unit system. It is to beunderstood that the term “bathing unit system”, as used for the purposesof the present description, refers to spas, whirlpools, hot tubs,bathtubs, therapeutic baths, swimming pools and any other type ofbathing unit that can be equipped with a control system and associateduser control interface for controlling various operational settings ofthe bathing units.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a bathing unit system 10 inaccordance with a non-limiting example of implementation of the presentinvention. The bathing unit system 10 includes a water receptacle 18 forholding water, a plurality of jets 20, a set of drains 22 and a controlsystem 24. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bathing unitsystem 10 further includes a set of bathing unit components comprising aheating module 30, two water pumps 11 and 13, a filter 26 and an airblower 28. It should be understood that the bathing unit system 10 couldinclude more or less bathing unit components without departing from thespirit of the invention. For example, although not shown in FIG. 1, thebathing unit system 10 could include an ozonator, a lighting system forlighting up the water in the receptacle 18, multimedia devices such asan MP3 player, a CD/DVD player as well as any other suitable device.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the control system 24 includes acontroller 34 for controlling the set of bathing unit components 11, 13,26, 28, 30 and a user control interface 35 for enabling a user to enteruser commands to the controller 34. In the embodiment shown, the usercontrol interface 35 comprises a display screen 33 and a user inputdevice 32 (which can also be referred to as a user operable input). Theuser input device 32 could include a trackball, mouse, gyroscope remote(which senses movement of the device in the air so as to move a cursor),a keypad, a touch sensitive screen, turn-dials, turn-and-push dials(such as idrive from BMW), a stylus pen or a microphone, among otherpossibilities. The user input device 32 can include one or a combinationof any or all of the above input devices.

The user control interface 35 provides an interface that allows a userto enter commands for causing the controller 34 to control the variousoperational settings of the bathing unit components 11, 13, 26, 28, 30.Some non-limiting examples of operational settings include temperaturecontrol settings, jet control settings, and lighting settings, amongother possibilities. In a non-limiting embodiment where the bathing unitis connected to entertainment and/or multimedia modules, the operationalsettings of the bathing unit may also include audio settings and videosettings, amongst others. Consequently, the expression “operationalsettings”, for the purpose of the present invention, is intended tocover operational settings for any suitable bathing unit component orcomponents that can be operated by a user of the bathing unit system.

The control system 24 receives electrical power from an electric powersource 36 that is connected to the controller 34 via service wiring 31.The power source 36 supplies the controller 34 with any conventionalpower service suitable for residential or commercial use. The controller34 then controls the distribution of power supplied to the variousbathing unit components 11, 13, 26, 28, 30 on the basis of programinstructions and signals received from the user control interface 35 inorder to cause the desired operational settings to be implemented. Thecontroller 34 may also receive control signals from various sensors 71in order to cause the desired operational settings to be implemented.Manners in which the controller 34 can be used to control the individualbathing unit components of the bathing unit system, such as for examplethe jets 20, the drains 22, the heating module 30, the water pumps 11and 13, the filter 26, the air blower 24, a valve jet sequencer formassage, a variable speed pump with a pre-programmed massage setting, awater fall, an aroma therapy device and an atomizer, as well as anylighting and multimedia components, are well known in the art and arenot critical to the invention and as such will not be described infurther detail here.

In a non-limiting implementation, the power source 36 can supply 240volts (V) AC to the controller 34 via service wiring 31. In analternative non-limiting implementation, the power source 36 can supply120 volts (V) AC to the controller 34 via service wiring 31. In yet afurther alternative non-limiting implementation, the power source 36 cansupply 120 Volts and 240 Volts AC to the controller 34 via servicewiring 31. It is to be appreciated that other voltage supply values orvoltage supply combinations, for example depending on geographicallocation, are possible without detracting from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. In a non-limiting implementation, the service wiring 31is passed through a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) that isadapted for tripping in the presence of a current leakage to the ground.The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) provides an added safetymeasure to the bathing unit system.

In normal operation, water flows from the bathing unit receptacle 18,through the drains 22 and is pumped by water pump 13 through the heatingmodule 30 where the water is heated. The heated water then leaves theheating module 30 and re-enters the bathing unit receptacle 18 throughjets 20. In addition, water flows from the bathing unit receptacle 18,through different drains 22 and is pumped by water pump 11 throughfilter 26. The filtered water then re-enters the bathing unit receptacle18 through different jets 20. Water can flow through these two cyclescontinuously while the bathing unit system 10 is in operation.Optionally, water can also flow from the bathing unit receptacle 18through one or more drains 22 to an air blower 28 that is operative fordelivering air bubbles to water that re-enters the bathing unitreceptacle 18 through jets 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 34 includes a processing unit 40 anda memory unit 42 that are in communication with one another over acommunication bus. The processing unit 40 is operative for accessing andprocessing program instructions stored within the memory unit 42 forenabling the controller 34 to control the set of bathing unit components11, 13, 26, 28 and 30 at least in part on the basis of those programinstructions and/or inputs received from a user via the user controlinterface 35.

The User Control Interface 35

The user control interface 35 according to the present inventionprovides an interface for allowing a user of the bathing unit system toprovide commands or other information to the bathing unit controller 34of the control system 24. The control interface 35 communicates with thebathing unit components by sending signals through the bathing unitcontroller 34. Similarly, the control interface 35 receives incomingsignals from the bathing unit controller 34, which can include signalsconveying operational settings of the bathing unit. As such, via theuser control interface 35, a user is able to enter commands that can beimplemented by the controller 34 for controlling the activation andoperational settings of the various bathing unit components.

As described above, the user control interface 35 comprises a user inputdevice 32 (which can also be referred to as user operable controls) anda display screen 33. The display screen 33 is operative for displaying agraphical user interface (GUI) to a user that provides the user withinformation regarding the bathing unit system and enables the user toinput commands for controlling various bathing unit components of thebathing unit system. In accordance with a non-limiting example that willbe described in more detail below, the GUI comprises a plurality ofdisplay screens that can be navigated by a user of the GUI via the userinput device 32 in order to access desired information and providedesired inputs for adjusting and activating the operational settings ofthe bathing unit components.

In accordance with a first non-limiting example of implementation, andas shown in FIG. 1, the user control interface 35 in accordance with thepresent invention can be included within the control system 24 of thebathing unit system 10. In such an embodiment, the user controlinterface 35 may be in communication with the controller 34 via a wireline data bus 29. In addition, the user control interface 35 is incommunication with the processing unit 40 and the memory unit 42 of thecontrol system 24. It is the processing unit 40 that accesses andprocesses program instructions stored within the memory unit 42 forenabling the user control interface 35 to implement the graphical userinterface and process the input commands received from the user via theuser input device 32 of the user control interface 32. It should beappreciated that in an alternative non-limiting embodiment, the usercontrol interface 35 may comprise a separate processing unit and memoryunit that are dedicated to the functionality of the user controlinterface.

Shown in FIG. 2 is a non-limiting physical representation of the usercontrol interface 35 of FIG. 1 that comprises a display screen 33 and auser input device 32. In the embodiment shown, the user input device 32comprises a plurality of buttons 70 that can be pressed by a user inorder to scroll through and select options offered by the graphical userinterface displayed on the display screen 32. Although the user inputdevices 32 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a plurality of buttons 70, itshould be appreciated that any other type, or combination, of user inputdevices known in the art could be used, including a pointing device,trackball, mouse, gyroscope remote (which senses movement of the devicein the air so as to move a cursor), a keypad, a touch sensitive screen,turn-dials, turn-and-push dials (such as idrive from BMW), a stylus penor a microphone, among other possibilities.

The user control interface 35 is suitable to be located on the top-sideof a bathing unit receptacle so that it can be accessed by a userpositioned in the bathing unit receptacle, on an exterior panel of thebathing unit receptacle or in a location remote from the bathing unitreceptacle. When the user control interface 35 is located remotely fromthe bathing unit receptacle, it may be mounted on a wall (for example inor outside a house) or it may be integrated in a free standing structurethat can be positioned on a surface in proximity to the bathing unitreceptacle. The user control interface 35 shown in FIG. 1 may be incommunication with the bathing unit controller 30 over a wireless link(such as an RF or infrared link) or a wired communication link.

In accordance with a second non-limiting example of implementation shownin FIG. 3, instead of being included within the bathing unit controlsystem 24, the user control interface 35 is included within a remotecomputing device 72 that is in wireless connection with the controller34, either directly or via a network connection. The remote computingdevice 72 could be in RF or infrared communication with the controller34. However, for the purposes of the present description, the remotecomputing device 72 will be described as being in communication with thecontroller 34 via a network connection. The network connection can beany type of connection, such as a WiFi connection, zigbhee connection,home network connection, Internet connection, wimax connection and plc(power line communication).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the bathing unit control system 24comprises a control panel 31 (which may include a display and one ormore user input devices) such that a user of the bathing unit system 10can provide command signals to the controller 34 when in proximity tothe bathing unit receptacle 18. The control system 24 further comprisesa network interface 68 for allowing the controller 34 to communicatewith other computing devices, such as the remote computing device 72,over a network connection.

The user control interface 35 is implemented at the remote computingdevice 72, which also comprises a network interface 66, for allowing theremote computing device 72 to communicate with the controller 34 over anetwork connection. Shown in FIG. 4 is a non-limiting block diagram ofthe remote computing device 72 and the control system 24 incommunication with each other over a network connection. Signals arereleased from the user control interface 35 of the remote computingdevice 72 through the network interface 66 and travel through a network74 to the control system 24 of the bathing unit system 10. The network74 may be either a public network, such as the Internet, or a privatenetwork, such as a private intranet. The signal released from the remotecomputing device 72 travels through the network 74 and is received atthe bathing unit control system 24 by the network interface 68 that inturn passes the signal to the controller 34 for controlling theoperation and activation of the bathing unit components.

As mentioned above, the network can be any type of network known in theart, including WiFi, zigbee, a home network, the Internet, wimax and plc(power line commication). As shown in FIG. 4, both the control system 24of the bathing system 10 and the remote computing device 72 can be incommunication with an audio server 65 for receiving internet radio, theability to download mP3s or any other type of streaming audio forfacilitating ambiance. The audio server 65 may also be able to providevideo streaming to one or both of the control system 24 or the remotecomputing device 72 over the network 74.

As will be described in more detail below, the control system 24 of thebathing system 10 and/or the remote computing device 72 may be incommunication with a network server 69 that stores a plurality ofambiance settings that can be downloaded, or otherwise delivered, to thecontrol system 24 and/or the remote computing device 72 over the network74. A user of the bathing system can thus obtain new ambiance settings(which will be described below) from an ambiance setting provider, whichcould be the spa manufacturer or a third party.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the remote computing device 72 furthercomprises a processing unit 60 and memory unit 62. The processing unit60 is operative for processing program instructions and data stored inthe memory unit 62 for implementing the functionality of the remotecomputing device 72. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the usercontrol interface 35 is in communication with this processing unit 60and memory unit 62, such that the processing unit 40 can accesses andprocesses program instructions stored within the memory unit 42 forenabling the user control interface 35 to implement the graphical userinterface on the display screen 33 and process the input commandsreceived from the user via the user input device 32 of the user controlinterface 32. It should be appreciated that in an alternativenon-limiting embodiment, the user control interface 35 may comprise aseparate processing unit and memory unit that are dedicated to thefunctionality of the user control interface, instead of having thefunctionality of the user control interface be implemented by theprocessing unit 60 and memory unit 62 of the remote computing device.

The remote computing device 72 may be any type of computing device knownin the art. For example, the remote computing device 72 may be apersonal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, or the remotecomputing device 72 may be a portable hand-held computing device, suchas a PDA, a cell phone, a smart phone (such as a Blackberry® or aniPhone®), or a web-enabled computing device (such as an iTouch®, iPad®or computer Tablet, among other possibilities.

It is to be understood that the functionality of the user controlinterface 35 could be implemented by any suitable hardware and/orhardware/software combination without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. In a non-limiting example, the usercontrol interface 35 includes a microprocessor. As described in both ofthe embodiments described above, the apparatus implementing the usercontrol interface 35 is configured as a computing unit including aprocessor and a memory connected by a communication bus. The memoryincludes data and program instructions. The processor is adapted toprocess the data and the program instructions in order to implement thefunctionality of the user control interface, and possibly the graphicaluser interface, described in the specification and depicted in thedrawings. The computing unit (such as the remote computing device 72 orthe bathing control system 24, may also comprise a number of interfacesfor receiving or sending data elements to external devices.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a non-limiting example of a physical representationof the user control interface 35 of FIG. 3, implemented on the remotecomputing device 72. In the non-limiting example shown, the remotecomputing device 72 is an iPhone and the graphical user interfaceimplemented thereon, that will be described in more detail below, is aniPhone App designed specifically for allowing remote control of abathing unit system 10. It should be appreciated however, that theremote computing device 72 is not limited to an iPhone and the GUI isnot limited to an iPhone App. As indicated above, the remote computingdevice 72 could be any type of computing device, such as those describedabove, and the graphical user interface implemented thereon could besuitable for being run on any such computing devices.

The remote computing device 72 comprises a display screen 33 and a userinput device 32. In the embodiment shown, the user input device 32comprises a button 78 and a touch sensitive screen 76 that can betouched by a user in order to scroll through and select options offeredby the graphical user interface displayed on the display screen 33. Eacharea of the screen is associated with a respective function that isactivated when the area of the screen is touched by the user. Althoughthe user input device 32 shown in FIG. 5 comprises a touch sensitivescreen 76 and a button 78, it should be appreciated that any other type,or combination, of user input devices known in the art could be used,including a pointing device, a keypad, a touch sensitive screen, dials,a stylus pen or a microphone connection to a speech recognition unit,among other possibilities.

The user control interface 35 that is implemented on a remote computingdevice 72, as described above, is suitable for providing a user withremote access to the controller 34 of the bathing unit system 10. Morespecifically, the remote computing device 72 can communicate with thebathing unit controller 34 over a network communication link fortransmitting signals entered by a user via the user control interface34. In this manner, a user can provide commands to the controller 34 inorder to activate and/or modify the operational settings of the bathingunit components without actually having to be in proximity to thebathing unit receptacle 18. For example, a user may be able to initiateactivation of the bathing unit components, and/or adjust the operationalsettings of the bathing unit components, while the user is travellinghome from work, such that the bathing unit system 10 is ready for theuser by the time the user gets home.

Ambiance Settings

As indicated above, the user control interface 34 is able to display agraphical user interface to a user for enabling the user to provideinstructions to the controller 34 for causing the activation and/oradjustment of the operational settings of the bathing unit components.In order to provide instructions to the controller 34, a user may entera desired operational setting for each individual bathing unit componentvia the graphical user interface. For example, the user may first accessthe pumps, and provide a desired operational setting for the pumps. Theuser may then access the temperature control and provide a desiredoperational setting for the water temperature. The user may then accessthe audio system in order to select a desired audio output (such as aradio station or an MP3 playlist).

Alternatively, instead of providing a desired operational setting foreach bathing unit component independently, a user may select, via thegraphical user interface, a particular ambiance setting for causing aset of bathing unit components to acquire pre-programmed operationalsettings associated with the selected ambiance setting. As such, when agiven ambiance setting is selected, the controller 34 causes theoperational settings for a set of bathing unit components to beactivated and/or adjusted without the user having to independentlyprovide an operational setting for each individual bathing unitcomponent in the set of bathing unit components.

Examples of ambiance settings may include a “relaxation setting”, a“beach party” setting, an “after work” setting, as well as individualusers' favorite settings, such as “Jen's favorite setting” and “Ben'sfavorite setting”. Each setting will include pre-programmed operationalsettings for a set of bathing unit components. For example, in the caseof the “relaxation setting”, the water jets may be pre-programmed toacquire a low jet speed, the lighting units may be pre-programmed toprovide dim white light, and the audio system may be pre-programmed toacquire a soundtrack mimicking sounds of the ocean. In contrast, in thecase of the “beach party setting”, the water jets may be pre-programmedto acquire a high jet speed, the lighting units may be pre-programmed toacquire a flashing colors of light, a sanitation system ispre-programmed to be on a multi-person level, and the audio system maybe pre-programmed to play an MP3 playlist of Caribbean music. Obviously,the particular operational settings associated with each ambiancesetting can vary significantly and the present invention is not limitedto any specific pre-programmed operational settings.

The ambiance settings may be programmed by a manufacturer of the bathingunit system 10 or by an individual user. For example, the manufacturerof the bathing unit system 10 may pre-program a plurality of differentambiance settings into the memory unit 42 of the bathing unit controlsystem 24. It is also possible for a user of the bathing unit system 10to program one or more different ambiance settings into the memory unit42 of the control system 24, or into the memory unit 62 of the remotecomputing device 72. It is also possible that the manufacturer of thebathing unit system 10, or a third party, may offer pre-programmedambiance settings for download to a memory unit of either the controlsystem 24 or the remote computing device 72.

Non-limiting examples of graphical user interfaces that are implementedby the user control interface 35 will now be described in more detail.It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art in light of thepresent description that embodiments of the invention having differentgraphical interfaces for displaying and providing ambiance settings arealso possible without detracting from the spirit of the invention. Itwill further be apparent to the person skilled in the art in light ofthe present description that embodiments of the invention providingmultiple different graphical user interfaces for controllingsub-combinations of the functions described below are also possiblewithout detracting from the spirit of the invention.

Viewing the Ambiance Settings

In accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation of thepresent invention, the user control interface 35 is operative to presentsequentially a first display page and a second display page of agraphical user interface. Referring back to FIG. 5, on the displayscreen 33 is a non-limiting example of a first display page whichdisplays a plurality of ambiance settings 80 selectable by a user of theuser control interface 35. In the example shown, the first display pageshows six possible ambiance settings entitled “after work” 80 a. “beachparty” 80 b, “Ben's favorite” 80 c. “Jen's favorite” 80 d, “midnightsoak” 80 e and “relaxation” 80 f.

In the embodiment shown, each of the ambiance settings is identified byname and is provided with a brief description of the setting. Inaddition, each of the ambiance settings is associated with a pictorialicon 82 displaying giving a pictorial or photographic representation ofthe ambiance setting. For example, the “beach party” 80 b ambiancesetting is associated with a pictorial icon 82 displaying a palm tree,and “Ben's favorite” 80 c ambiance setting is associated with apictorial icon displaying a photographic picture of Ben. These pictorialicons help a user to quickly and easily identify a desired ambiancesetting. In alternative embodiments, the description of the ambiancesetting and the pictorial icons 82 are not included within the firstdisplay page.

In order to select a ambiance setting via the graphical interface theuser of the user control interface 35 uses the user input device 32 inorder to indicate a selected one of the plurality of ambiance settings80. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, wherein the user input device 32is a touch sensitive screen, the user places his/her finger on theselected ambiance setting. In the example that will be described herein,the user selects the “beach party” 80 b ambiance setting.

This selection is received at a processor (such as processor 40 or 60)in communication with the user control interface 35, for causing theuser control interface 35 to display via the graphical user interfacethe second display page on which are displayed the operational settingsassociated with the ambiance setting for a set of bathing unitcomponents.

Shown in FIG. 6 is a non-limiting example of a second display pageshowing the operational settings associated with the “beach party” 80 bambiance setting for a set of bathing unit components. Although theoperational settings associated with the “beach party” 80 b ambiancesetting are described and shown herein as being displayed on a seconddisplay page of the graphical user interface, they could be displayed onthe same page as the plurality of ambiance settings 80, described abovewith respect to FIG. 5. For example, upon selection of the “beach party”80 b ambiance setting, the operational settings associated therewithcould appear on the same page below the list of ambiance settings 80.

When the processor receives the indication of the selected ambiancesetting, in addition to displaying the pre-programmed operationalsettings associated with the selected ambiance setting (as will bedescribed in more detail below), the processor may also issue a signalto the controller 34 for causing the pre-programmed operational settingsto be implemented by the bathing unit components. However, in analternative example of implementation, only after receiving confirmationfrom a user that the displayed pre-programmed operational settingsshould be implemented by the bathing unit components, is a signalreleased to the controller 34 for causing adjustment and/or activationof the pre-programmed operational settings. In such a case, thegraphical user interface may comprise an input area for enabling a userto authorize the implementation of the pre-programmed authorizedsettings by the bathing unit components. As will be described in moredetail below, this also provides the user with the ability to makeadjustments to the pre-programmed operational settings, before theseoperational settings are caused to be implemented by the bathing unitcomponents.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a non-limiting example of a second display pageof a graphical user interface on which are displayed the operationalsettings that have been pre-programmed in association with the “beachparty” 80 b ambiance setting. In the embodiment shown, the graphicaluser interface displays operational settings associated with fourdifferent types of bathing unit components; namely the heating module,the water pumps, the lighting units, and the audio system. By displayingthe pre-programmed operational settings for multiple different bathingunit components, a user is advantageously provided with a good visualoverview of the operational settings associated with the ambiancesetting.

It should be appreciated that each type of bathing unit component mayinclude multiple bathing unit components, and the graphical interfacemay display the pre-programmed operational settings for the multiplebathing unit components of a given type of bathing unit component. Inthe example shown, three different water pumps and an ozonator aredisplayed in connection with the “pump” type of bathing unit component.As such, a user is able to quickly view that the “beach party” 80 bambiance setting has pre-programmed pump P1 and P2 to be activated,while pumps P2 and the ozonator are deactivated. Likewise, fivedifferent lighting units are displayed in connection with the “lighting”type of bathing unit component. As such, a user is able to quickly viewthat the “beach party” 80 b ambiance setting has pre-programmed lightsL1 and L3 to be activated, while lights L2, L4 and L5 are deactivated.The operational settings for the pumps and lighting devices displayed onthe graphical user interface of FIG. 6 show whether or not a given pumpor lighting device is active or deactive, but not necessarily a level ofactivation of each bathing unit component. In the “beach party” 80 bambiance setting, the heating module is pre-programmed to cause thewater to acquire a 104° water temperature, and the audio system ispre-programmed to broadcast the “Wine, New Bern” internet radio stationout of North Carolina.

Shown in FIG. 7 is an alternative non-limiting example of a seconddisplay page of a graphical user interface on which is displayedoperational settings that have been pre-programmed in association withthe “beach party” 80 b ambiance setting. In this alternative embodiment,the operational settings associated with the “beach party” 80 b ambiancesetting are different from those shown in FIG. 6, demonstrating that thegraphical user interface, and the operational settings, can vary withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. The graphical user interfaceof FIG. 7 displays operational settings associated with five differenttypes of bathing unit components; namely the variable speed water pumpsfor the water jets, the lighting units, the audio system, the heatingmodule and the sanitization system. Furthermore, the graphical userinterface not only shows whether or not a given bathing unit componentis active, but it also shows a level of activation associated with thebathing unit component. For example, in the case of variable speed pumpsfor the water jets, these pumps can acquire multiple speeds that canchange the water flow at the jets, it can be seen that the pump speedfor seat 3 is set at a higher operational setting than the pump speedfor seats 1 and 2. Furthermore. and although not shown in FIG. 7,instead of selecting a single speed for a pump, the user can select apre-programmed massage function for each variable speed pump, thatprovides a sequence of different speeds according to a pre-definedmassage profile.

As for the light, the user can select the a desired color (not shown inFIG. 7) as well as a desired light intensity. In the case that the userwants to adjust the light color, this can be done by moving a finger ona spectrum sample display on the user interface. Or a list ofpre-programmed color sequences can be selected to create some ambianceeffect.

Although the bathing unit types for which operational settings have beendescribed in FIGS. 6 and 7 comprise the water heater, the water pumps,the lighting units, the variable speed pumps for the water jets, theaudio system, and the sanitization system, it should be appreciated thatthe bathing unit types could also include any other bathing unit typeknown in the art.

As mentioned above, in addition to causing the user control interface 35to display the pre-programmed operational settings associated with theselected ambiance setting, the processor (such as processor 40 or 60)may also issue a signal to the controller 34 for causing thepre-programmed operational settings to be implemented by the bathingunit components. Alternatively, the processor will wait to receive aconfirmation signal from a user that the displayed pre-programmedoperational settings should be implemented by the bathing unitcomponents, before issuing a signal to the controller 34 for causing thepre-programmed operational settings to be implemented. In such a case,the graphical user interface may comprise an input area, such as an“implement” button, for enabling a user to authorize the implementationof the pre-programmed authorized settings by the bathing unitcomponents.

Included on the graphical user interfaces shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is aplurality of additional information, other than just the pre-programmedoperational settings. For example, the graphical user interfacecomprises an information area 89 for identifying the ambiance settingthat has been selected by the user. In the embodiment shown, theidentification of the ambiance setting is a textual indication of “beachparty”. The graphical user interfaces further comprise additionalinformation areas for providing pictorial representations 84 a-d of thedifferent types of bathing unit components. For example, a pictorialicon/representation of a pump 84 b is included next to the pumpoperational settings and a pictorial icon/representation 84 c of a lightbulb is included next to the lighting unit operational settings. Thesepictorial representations 84 a-d help a user to quickly and easilyidentify a type of bathing unit component for which pre-programmedoperational settings are provided. In alternative embodiments, thepictorial icons/representations 84 a-d are not included.

In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, the graphical userinterfaces further provide time information 86 associated with theambiance setting. The time information 86 shown in FIG. 6 is indicativeof the amount of time that the selected ambiance setting has been inoperation, and the time information 86 shown in FIG. 7 is indicative ofa countdown of the remaining activation time of the selected ambiancesetting. Other time information could also be included without departingfrom the invention. For example, the time information could beindicative of the local time, the amount of time since the last changeto an operational setting, the amount of time until the operationalsettings have been acquired by the bathing unit components or any otherpossible time information that could be useful to a user of the bathingunit system. As discussed, the timer can be customized and different foreach of the ambiance settings.

In addition, the mood ambiance that is selected may change operationalsettings over the course of a given time period. For example, anambiance setting that may be called “spa night” could start with slowmusic, dim lighting and a water fall setting for a first period of time(such as a first hour) during a dinner and cocktail period, then duringa second period of time (such as a second hour) the operational settingsassociated with the “spa night” ambiance setting will shift towards moreup-beat party music, active lighting and strong jets. The “spa night”mood setting may then adjust the operational settings again for a thirdperiod of time (such as a third hour) in order to create a wind-downperiod which will have slow and relaxing music, the variable speed waterpumps for the water jets will be on a massage setting and the lightingwill be dark and soft.

Maintenance Alerts and Reminders

As will be described below, the graphical user interface implemented bythe user control interface 35 may further display maintenance remindersand alerts. Conventional bathing systems require frequent and regularmonitoring of the water quality, temperature and other parameters inorder to ensure that the bathing system is operating in accordance witha desired manner. Maintenance, including for example adding differentchemicals to the water to ensure that the water is sanitary, must alsobe done at the correct frequency. In addition, when problems aredetected in a bathing system, for example a blocked pipe or ahigh-temperature condition, some remedial action must take place inorder to rectify the situation. For bathing system owners, thisrepresents added tasks, in addition to regularly scheduled maintenance.It is not infrequent that bathing system owners simply forget to performsome required maintenance, or repairs, on their equipment. This mayresult in decreased performance and longevity of the bathing system.

In order to help a bathing system owner perform the necessarymaintenance and repairs on their bathing system, the controller 34 isoperative for monitoring different parameters of the bathing systemand/or the individual bathing unit components. In order to perform thismonitoring, the controller 34 may be in communication with a variety ofsensors for detecting different operational parameters associated withthe bathing unit components. These sensor readings can be processed bythe controller 34 against established operating parameters, fordetermining whether there are any operating errors. Many algorithms andmethods for detecting errors are known in the art and the presentinvention is not limited to any of these methods. The controller 34 mayfurther record when maintenance is performed on the bathing system, orindividual bathing unit components, such that reminders can be generatedwhen future maintenance is required.

In accordance with the present invention, the controller 34 is capableof communicating with the user control interface 35 in order to causealerts, reminders or other notifications concerning the maintenance orrepair of the bathing system to be issued and displayed to a user. Asshown in the Figures, such notifications can be provided to the userthrough a graphical user interface that is displayed to a user on thedisplay screen 33 of the user control interface 35. In the figures,these notifications can include, but are not limited to:

-   -   error alerts 88;    -   maintenance reminders 90; and    -   past-due notifications 91.

In the embodiment shown, these notifications are provided on the seconddisplay page of the graphical user interface. It should however beappreciated that these notifications can be provided on any othersuitable display page of the graphical user interface, or via an email,text message, pop-up box, phone call or push alert. The user may be ableto select the preferred method of communication for these notifications.

Shown in FIG. 7, is a non-limiting example of an error alert message 88indicative of a problem with the radio. Any other type of error alertmessage may also be included within the scope of the present invention.Some non-limiting examples of possible error messages include:

-   -   there is a blockage in the circulation pipes;    -   the filter is not functioning;    -   the heater is not functioning;    -   there is an overheat condition;    -   etc.

The graphical user interface may further display maintenance reminders90 advising the user of maintenance that needs to be done, or updates tothat need to be made to the system. The graphical user interface shownin FIGS. 6-8 shows maintenance reminders 90 advising the user ofmaintenance issues such as:

-   -   the filter needs to be changed;    -   maintenance is going to be performed on the weekend;

Any other type of reminder message or information message could also bedisplayed to a user. This feature may be combined with a maintenanceschedule wherein regularly scheduled maintenance activities would beprogrammed into the system, such that the controller 34 could causeperiodic reminders to be provided to the user. For example, the changingof the filter, the addition of chemicals to the water at periodicintervals, etc. It is also noted that the maintenance schedule may alsobe configured to be adaptable based on the usage of the spa system. Todo so, information concerning usage, for example for the user of thepumps, lights and/or other features of the spa system could be providedin the computation of the delay between successive maintenances.

The graphical user interface may further display a status relating to aparticular operating parameter associated with the bathing unit system10. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the graphical userinterface displays an operating parameter 92 associated with the watertemperature, which is currently indicated as being at 102° F. While theoperating parameter 92 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a real-time watertemperature, other parameters, such as a current maintenance status,whether or not the spa is in use, an alert that a given watertemperature has been achieved, the filtration status, sanitizationstatus, audio/visual status, an alert that a play-list has come to anend, may also be displayed.

Customization of the User Interface on a Basis of a Selected AmbianceSetting

As indicated above, once a user has selected a desired ambiance settingfrom a plurality of ambiance settings (as shown in FIG. 5), thepre-programmed operational settings associated with the selectedambiance setting are displayed to the user via a graphical userinterface. In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, a displaysetting associated with the display of the pre-programmed operationalsettings is configured at least in part on the basis of the selectedambiance setting. For example, the appearance of the graphical userinterface may be customized in accordance with the ambiance settingselected by the user.

The configured display setting may be part of the second display pageor, in the case where the operational settings are not displayed on aseparate display page, a display setting for the same display page asthe plurality of ambiance settings may be configured. The configureddisplay setting may be a background graphic associated with the selectedambiance setting, a pictorial icon associated with the selected ambiancesetting or a particular set of bathing unit components associated withthe selected ambiance setting, among other possibilities.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example wherein the background graphic “displaysetting” is configured on the basis of the selected ambiance setting. Inthese figures, it is the “beach party” 80 b ambiance setting that hasbeen selected, and so the background graphic is customized so as to beappropriate for the “beach party” ambiance setting. In the exampleshown, the background graphic shown for the “beach party” ambiancesetting is a palm tree on a beach which is an image that invokes a beachparty atmosphere.

In an alternative embodiment, such as in the case where “Ben's favorite”ambiance setting has been selected, the display setting that isconfigured on the basis of this selected ambiance setting may be apictorial icon. For example, when the operational settings associatedwith this ambiance setting are displayed either on a second displaypage, the display may include a photographic picture of Ben, therebyshowing that these operational settings belong to the “Ben's favorite”ambiance setting.

In yet a further example of a display setting configured on the basis ofthe selected ambiance setting, the particular set of bathing unitcomponent types that are displayed may vary and thus be configureddepending on the ambiance setting selected. For example, in the case ofthe “beach party” ambiance setting, the set of bathing unit componentsfor which operational settings are displayed may be the heating module,the water pumps, the lighting units and the audio system (as shown inFIG. 6), whereas in the case of the “relaxation” ambiance setting, theset of bathing unit components for which operational settings aredisplayed may be the water jets, the heating module, the lighting units,the sanitization system and the audio system.

The graphical user interface can further be customized or configured toprovide the user with functionality options that are customized inaccordance with the ambiance selection. For example, depending on theambiance selection, a listing of options for music that is appropriatefor the selected ambiance may be presented. For example, although adefault music selection may be provided for a “beach party” ambiance,alternate music selections may also be presented to the user allowingthe user to select an alternate music type for the same ambiance. Thedefault music selection may be “Caribbean music”, but options for a“summertime mix” and a “top 40 mix” may also be provided. For therelaxation ambiance, the option displayed to the user for the musicselection will be different than those presented to the user for theparty ambiance selection.

Other customized options may also be presented to a user for otheroperational settings, such as for the lighting, water pumps, water jets,audio-visual components and temperature, among other possibilities. Inthe customized lighting options for the “beach party” ambiance, adefault lighting setting may be to have all the lights activated.However, other options may be to have yellow and green colored lightsactivated, or to have color lights be intermittently activated. Thelighting parameter options would be different for the “relaxation”ambiance setting. By customizing “display settings” of the graphicaluser interface, the user is presented with a simplified interfacecontrol for the spa which facilitates the usage of the spa by a noviceuser.

Adjusting the Operational Settings of a Ambiance Setting

Once a user has selected a desired ambiance setting and thepre-programmed operational settings associated with the selectedambiance setting have been displayed to the user via the graphical userinterface, the user can then make adjustments to these pre-programmedoperational settings. This may be done before or after thepre-programmed operational settings are caused to be implemented by thebathing unit components.

For example, in the case of the pre-programmed operational settingsassociated with the “beach party” ambiance setting shown in FIG. 6,Pumps P1 and P3 are pre-programmed to be the activated pumps. If theuser would like to modify these pre-programmed settings, such that pumpP2 is also activated, for example, the user can use the user inputdevice 32, which in the case of the example shown in FIG. 6 is a touchsensitive screen, in order to cause pump P2 to be activated. This can bedone by the user touching the screen over an input area, such as thecircle designated “P2”. The input area for causing the adjustment to thepre-programmed operational setting for the pumps type of bathing unitcomponent is located next to the pictorial icon 84 b representative ofthe pumps. Shown in FIG. 8 is a non-limiting example of the graphicaluser interface of FIG. 6, after the user has adjusted the operationalsettings such that pump P2 is also active.

Once a user has indicated that pump P2 should be activated, theprocessor (such as processor 40 or 60) can then either automaticallyissue a signal to the controller 34 for causing the adjustment or changeto be implemented by the bathing unit components, or the processor canwait until a user has provided an additional confirmation signal, suchas via an “implement” button on the graphical user interface. The usermay make adjustments to the pre-programmed operational setting of onebathing unit component, or multiple bathing unit components. Inaddition, the user may adjust the activation or deactivation of abathing unit component, or the user may adjust a level of an operationalsetting of a bathing unit component. For example, in the case of thegraphical user interface shown in FIG. 7, a user may adjust the level ofthe water pump associated with seat 3, by lowering the circle indicatorwithin the vertical track. It should be appreciated that the manner inwhich a user can adjust and/or activate/deactivate a bathing unitcomponent can vary without departing from the spirit of the invention.

When adjusting one or more of the pre-programmed operational settingsassociated with an ambiance setting, these adjustments can be treated inthe following manner:

-   -   In a first non-limiting example, the adjustments to the        pre-programmed operational settings of a given ambiance setting        entered by a user are temporary adjustments. The adjustments are        caused to be implemented by the associated bathing unit        components either as the user is entering the desired        adjustments via the graphical user interface, or upon receipt of        an indication from a user that the adjustments should be        implemented, such as when the user hits an “implement changes”        button, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. However, these are        temporary adjustments that are implemented by the bathing unit        components, but are not stored or recorded in association with        the ambiance setting. There is no permanent adjustment to the        pre-programmed operational settings associated with the selected        ambiance setting. If a user were to stop the ambiance setting        after having made the adjustments to the pre-programmed        operational settings, and then re-select the ambiance setting at        a later time or date, it would be the original pre-programmed        operational settings that would still be associated with that        ambiance setting.    -   In a second non-limiting example, the adjustments to the        pre-programmed operational settings entered by the user are        recorded in association with that ambiance setting, such that        the entered adjustments become the new pre-programmed        operational settings associated with that ambiance setting. In        this manner a user is able to update or tweak the operational        settings associated with a given ambiance setting. Shown in FIG.        9 is a non-limiting example of a display page showing the        pre-programmed operational settings associated with the        “relaxation” ambiance setting. In the example shown, the        pre-programmed operational settings are such that the water jets        associated with seat 1, seat 2 and the feet are active, and the        in-water and rim lighting devices are active. Assuming that a        user wants to adjust the operational settings associated with        the “relaxation” ambiance setting, the user can enter desired        adjustments. Shown in FIG. 10 is a non-limiting example of the        adjustments made to the operational settings. More specifically,        in a first input area 96 associated with the water jets, the        user is able to modify the operational settings for this first        type of bathing unit component; namely the water jets. In the        example shown, the user has adjusted the operational settings        such that only the water jets associated with seat 1 and seat 3        are active. Then, in a second input area 98, associated with the        lighting devices, the user is able to modify the operational        settings for this second type of bathing unit component; namely        the lighting devices. In the example shown, the user has        adjusted the operational settings such that only the lighting        device associated with the rim is active. These adjustments to        the operational parameters can be done using a user input        device, which in the example shown is a touch sensitive screen.        Once the user has entered the adjustments to the operational        changes, the user may hit a “save” button on the graphical user        interface, or on the device itself, in order to cause the        adjustments to the operational changes to be recorded in        relation to the ambiance setting. Thus, if a user were to stop        the “relaxation” ambiance setting after having saved the desired        adjustments to the pre-programmed operational settings, and then        re-select that ambiance setting at a later time or date, it        would be the new adjusted operational settings that would be        associated with that ambiance setting. In this manner, a user is        able to adjust the pre-programmed operational settings        associated with a ambiance setting to be more desirable to the        user.

The user control interface may further comprise functionality forenabling a user to revert back to the original pre-programmedoperational settings for a given ambiance setting. For example, if auser saves his/her updated user-defined operational settings, but thenlater on decides that the manufacturer-defined operational settings forthat given ambiance setting were preferable, the user may cause the usercontrol interface to retrieve the original manufacturer-definedoperational settings. This may be done by accessing a “return todefault” menu item, or button.

-   -   In a third non-limiting example, the user may make adjustments        to the pre-programmed operational setting of a given ambiance        setting, and then record the adjusted operational settings in        association with a new user-defined ambiance setting. In this        manner, the adjusted operational settings become associated with        an entirely new ambiance setting. Referring back to FIG. 10, and        assuming that the user has entered the same adjustments to the        operational settings as described above, instead of hitting the        “save” button 100, the user may hit a “save as” button 102 on        the graphical user interface, or on the device itself. The user        would then be provided with the opportunity to enter a new name        for a ambiance setting to which the adjusted operational        settings would be recorded. Thus, if a user were to stop the        ambiance setting after having saved the adjustments to the        pre-programmed operational settings, the user would then have to        open the new user-defined ambiance setting in order to cause the        bathing unit components to implement the adjusted pre-programmed        operational settings.

In yet a further alternative embodiment, the user may create his or herown user-defined ambiance setting without having to start from anexisting ambiance setting. In such a case, the user may be provided witha graphical user interface that provides the user with the ability tocreate a user-defined ambiance setting. A non-limiting example of agraphical user interface 104 for allowing a user to create auser-defined ambiance setting is shown in FIG. 11. The graphical userinterface 104 comprises a first input area 106 for allowing the user toprovide a first desired operational setting, which in the example shownis a desired temperature, a second input area 108 for allowing the userto provide a second desired operational setting, which in the exampleshown is an indication of which pumps the user would like to be active,a third input area 110 for receiving from a user an indication of athird desired operational setting, which in the example shown is thelighting devices the user would like to be active, and a fourth inputarea 112 for allowing the user to provide a fourth desired operationalsetting, which in the example shown is an indication of which internetradio station the user would like to have playing. It should beappreciated that more or less input areas could be provided in order toprovide a greater or lesser number of different types of bathing unitcomponents for which a user can enter a desired operational setting.

It should be appreciated that it is not necessary for a user to enter adesired operational setting for each type of bathing unit component. Forexample, the user may leave a given input area blank, such that thebathing unit components for that type of bathing unit component are notactive, or an automatic operational setting is implemented by thebathing unit components of that type.

The graphical user interface 104 may also comprise an input area 114 forreceiving a title of the ambiance setting. For example, the title may be“Jen's favorites” or “Friday night bathing”. The graphical userinterface 104 may further comprises an input area 113 for allowing theuser to enter a desired icon or picture. In the example shown, the userinterface includes a “browse” button, such that a user can access anicon or picture from a stored memory unit that is located eitherlocally, or on a network server.

The graphical user interface 104 further comprises an input area 116 forreceiving from the user an indication that the entered operationalsettings should be stored in association with the user-defined ambiancesetting that has been given a title in input area 114. This user-definedambiance setting will then be added to the list of user-defined ambiancesettings that is displayed on a display page such as that describedabove with respect to FIG. 5.

CONCLUSION

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications andrefinements can be made to the embodiments presented above withoutdetracting from the scope of the present invention.

The above description of the embodiments should not be interpreted in alimiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinementsare possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thescope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and theirequivalents.

1.-60. (canceled)
 61. A bathing unit system having a set of bathing unitcomponents configured for establishing a network connection with aremote computing system configured for providing assistance to a usermanaging the bathing unit system, the bathing unit system comprising: a)a display screen; b) at least one processor in communication with thedisplay screen, the at least one processor being programmed for: i.displaying a graphical user interface presented information associatedwith the bathing unit system; ii. establishing the network connectionwith the remote computing system; iii. monitoring a set of operationalparameters associated with the bathing unit system; iv. performing dataexchanges with the remote computing system over the network connectionincluding transmitting over the network connection data conveying atleast some monitored operational parameters from the set of monitoredoperational parameters to the remote computing system; c) in response tothe data exchanges conveying a detection by the computing system of apresence of a specific maintenance due condition in the bathing unitsystem, dynamically adapting the GUI displayed on the display screen toconvey a notification message conveying the presence of the specificmaintenance due condition in the bathing unit system, wherein thenotification message conveys a specific maintenance activity that needsto be performed on the bathing unit system.
 62. A bathing unit system asdefined in claim 61, wherein said remote computing system is configuredfor processing the data conveying the at least some monitoredoperational parameters in combination with reference operationalparameters for detecting the presence of the specific maintenance duecondition in the bathing unit system.
 63. A bathing unit system asdefined in claim 62, wherein the remote computing system is implementedby a smartphone device.
 64. A bathing unit system as defined in claim62, wherein the data conveying the at least some monitored operationalparameters includes data conveying information on usage of the bathingunit system, and wherein detecting the presence of the specificmaintenance due condition includes: a) processing the information onusage of the bathing unit system in combination with the referenceoperational parameters to derive a specific maintenance scheduleassociated with the bathing unit system, the specific maintenanceschedule being derived at least in part based on the information onusage of the bathing unit system; b) processing the derived specificmaintenance schedule to determine the specific maintenance activity thatneeds to be performed on the bathing unit system.
 65. A bathing unitsystem as defined in claim 64, wherein the specific maintenance scheduleassociated with the bathing unit system conveys maintenance activitiesassociated with at least one component in the set of bathing unitcomponents of the bathing unit system, wherein the at least onecomponent is one of a water pump, a lighting unit and a filter.
 66. Abathing unit system as defined in claim 64, wherein the specificmaintenance schedule associated with the bathing unit system conveysthat chemicals need to be added to the bathing unit system.
 67. Abathing unit system as defined in claim 62, wherein the at least oneprocessor is programmed for presenting the user, via the GUI generatedon the display screen, with a set of ambiance settings selectable by theuser to allow the user to issue an ambiance selection command, theambiance selection command conveying an ambiance setting selected by theuser from the set of ambiance settings, wherein: a) a customized set ofinput options selectable by the user is displayed by the GUI followingreceipt of a specific ambiance selection command conveying a specificambiance setting selected by the user; and b) wherein the customized setof input options presented to the user varies at least in part based ona specific ambiance setting selected by the user.
 68. A bathing unitsystem as defined in claim 62, wherein performing the data exchangeswith the remote computing system includes: a) transmitting, over thenetwork connection, data conveying that the specific maintenanceactivity has been performed on the bathing unit system, said remotecomputing system being configured for: i. processing the data conveyingthat the specific maintenance activity has been performed on the bathingunit system to derive a specific maintenance schedule conveyingscheduling information corresponding to at least one future maintenanceactivity to be performed at the bathing unit system; and b) receivingsignals generated by the remote computing system in dependence of thederived specific maintenance schedule for adapting the GUI to modify themaintenance notification message to convey information corresponding tothe at least one future maintenance activity to be performed.
 69. Abathing unit system as defined in claim 62, wherein the GUI isconfigured to display, concurrently with the notification message, a setof input options selectable by the user for allowing the user to issueoperational adjustment commands for adjusting operational settingsassociated with at least some bathing unit components in the set ofbathing unit components of the bathing unit system.
 70. A bathing unitsystem as defined in claim 62, wherein the bathing unit system includesa top-side control panel and wherein the display screen is a componentof the top-side control panel.
 71. A method for assisting a user inmaintaining a bathing unit system, the method being implemented by oneor more programmable processors, said method comprising: a) at thebathing unit system, establishing a network connection with a remotecomputing system configured for providing assistance in managing thebathing unit system; b) at the bathing unit system, displaying agraphical user interface (GUI) on a display screen for conveyinginformation associated with the bathing unit system; c) at the bathingunit system, using a processor to monitor a set of operationalparameters associated with the bathing unit system; d) performing dataexchanges between the bathing unit system and the remote computingsystem over the network connection, wherein the data exchanges performedinclude transmitting to the remote computing system data conveying atleast some monitored operational parameters from the set of monitoredoperational parameters; e) in response to the data exchanges conveying adetection by the computing system of a presence of a specificmaintenance due condition in the bathing unit system, using theprogrammable system, dynamically adapting the GUI displayed on thedisplay screen to convey a notification message conveying informationidentifying the presence of the specific maintenance due condition,wherein the notification message conveys a reminder of a specificmaintenance activity that needs to be performed on the bathing unitsystem.
 72. A method as defined in claim 71, wherein said remotecomputing system is configured for processing the data conveying the atleast some monitored operational parameters in combination withreference operational parameters for detecting the presence of thespecific maintenance due condition in the bathing unit system.
 73. Amethod as defined in claim 72, wherein the data conveying the at leastsome monitored operational parameters includes data conveyinginformation on usage of the bathing unit system and wherein detectingthe presence of the specific maintenance due condition includes: a)processing the information on usage of the bathing unit system incombination with a reference maintenance schedule to derive a specificmaintenance schedule associated with the bathing unit system, thespecific maintenance schedule being derived at least in part based onthe information on usage of the bathing unit system; b) processing thederived specific maintenance schedule to determine the specificmaintenance activity that needs to be performed on the bathing unitsystem.
 74. A method as defined in claim 73, wherein the specificmaintenance schedule associated with the bathing unit system conveysmaintenance activities associated with at least one component in the setof bathing unit components of the bathing unit system, the at least onecomponent is one of a water pump, a lighting unit and a filter.
 75. Amethod as defined in claim 73, wherein the specific maintenance scheduleassociated with the bathing unit system conveys that chemicals need tobe added to the bathing unit system.
 76. A method as defined in claim72, wherein performing the data exchanges with the remote computingsystem includes: a) at the bathing unit system, transmitting over thenetwork connection, data conveying that the specific maintenanceactivity has been performed on the bathing unit system, said remotecomputing system being configured for processing the data conveying thatthe specific maintenance activity has been performed on the bathing unitsystem to derive a specific maintenance schedule conveying schedulinginformation corresponding to at least one future maintenance activity tobe performed at the bathing unit system; b) receiving signals generatedby the remote computing system in dependence of the derived specificmaintenance schedule for adapting the GUI to modify the maintenancenotification message to convey the scheduling information correspondingto the at least one future maintenance activity to be performed.
 77. Amethod for assisting a user in maintaining a bathing unit system, themethod being implemented by a computing system configured forestablishing a network connection with the bathing unit system, thecomputing system including at least one processor, said methodcomprising: a) receiving data over the network connection with thebathing unit system, the data originating from the bathing unit systemand conveying monitored operational parameters associated with thebathing unit system; b) detecting a presence of a specific maintenancedue condition in the bathing unit system at least in part by processing,with the at least one processor, the data conveying the monitoredoperational parameters in combination with reference operationalparameters; c) in response to detecting the presence of the specificmaintenance due condition in the bathing unit system, issuing signalsconfigured for causing a graphic user interface (GUI) presented on adisplay screen to display a notification message conveying the presenceof the specific maintenance due condition in the bathing unit system,wherein the notification message conveys a specific maintenance activitythat needs to be performed on the bathing unit system.
 78. A method asdefined in claim 77, wherein the display screen is a component of one ofa smartphone device and a tablet device.
 79. A method as defined inclaim 77, wherein at least some of the data originating from the bathingunit system conveys information on usage of the bathing unit system, andwherein detecting the presence of the specific maintenance due conditionincludes: a) processing the information on usage of the bathing unitsystem in combination with the reference operational parameters toderive a specific maintenance schedule associated with the bathing unitsystem, the specific maintenance schedule being derived at least in partbased on the information on usage of the bathing unit system; b)processing the derived specific maintenance schedule to determine thespecific maintenance activity that needs to be performed on the bathingunit system.
 80. A method as defined in claim 79, wherein the specificmaintenance schedule associated with the bathing unit system conveysmaintenance activities associated with at least one component of thebathing unit system, wherein the at least one component of the bathingunit system is one of a water pump, a lighting unit and a filter.
 81. Amethod as defined in claim 79, wherein the specific maintenance scheduleassociated with the bathing unit system conveys that chemicals need tobe added to the bathing unit system.
 82. A method as defined in claim77, said method further comprising: a) receiving, over the networkconnection, data conveying that the specific maintenance activity hasbeen performed on the bathing unit system; b) deriving a specificmaintenance schedule conveying scheduling information corresponding toat least one future maintenance activity to be performed at least inpart by processing the data conveying that the specific maintenanceactivity has been performed on the bathing unit system; c) in dependenceof the derived specific maintenance schedule, issuing signals configuredfor adapting the GUI to modify the maintenance notification message toinformation corresponding to the at least one future maintenanceactivity to be performed.
 83. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedia comprising a computer program having instructions stored on themedia, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause a computing systemconfigured for establishing a network connection with a bathing unitsystem to perform operations for assisting a user in maintaining thebathing unit system, the computing system including at least oneprocessor, the operations comprising: a) receiving data over the networkconnection with the bathing unit system, the data originating from thebathing unit system and conveying monitored operational parametersassociated with the bathing unit system; b) detecting a presence of aspecific maintenance due condition in the bathing unit system at leastin part by processing the data conveying the monitored operationalparameters in combination with reference operational parameters; c) inresponse to detecting the presence of the specific maintenance duecondition in the bathing unit system, issuing signals configured forcausing a graphic user interface (GUI) presented on a display screen todisplay a notification message conveying the presence of the specificmaintenance due condition in the bathing unit system, wherein thenotification message conveys a specific maintenance activity that needsto be performed on the bathing unit system.
 84. Non-transitory computerreadable storage media as defined in claim 83, wherein the displayscreen is a component of one of a smartphone device and a tablet device.85. A non-transitory computer readable storage media as defined in claim83, wherein at least some of the data originating from the bathing unitsystem conveys information on usage of the bathing unit system, andwherein detecting the presence of the specific maintenance due conditionincludes: a) processing the information on usage of the bathing unitsystem in combination with the reference operational parameters toderive a specific maintenance schedule associated with the bathing unitsystem, the specific maintenance schedule being derived at least in partbased on the information on usage of the bathing unit system; b)processing the derived specific maintenance schedule to determine thespecific maintenance activity that needs to be performed on the bathingunit system.
 86. A non-transitory computer readable storage media asdefined in claim 85, wherein the specific maintenance scheduleassociated with the bathing unit system conveys maintenance activitiesassociated with at least one component of the bathing unit system,wherein the at least one component of the bathing unit system is one ofa water pump, a lighting unit and a filter.
 87. A non-transitorycomputer readable storage media as defined in claim 85, wherein thespecific maintenance schedule associated with the bathing unit systemconveys that chemicals need to be added to the bathing unit system. 88.A non-transitory computer readable storage media as defined in claim 83,the operations further comprising: a) receiving, over the networkconnection, data conveying that the specific maintenance activity hasbeen performed on the bathing unit system; b) deriving a specificmaintenance schedule conveying scheduling information corresponding toat least one future maintenance activity to be performed at least inpart by processing the data conveying that the specific maintenanceactivity has been performed on the bathing unit system; c) in dependenceof the derived specific maintenance schedule, issuing signals configuredfor adapting the GUI to modify the maintenance notification message toinformation corresponding to the at least one future maintenanceactivity to be performed.